The Stratford Slice

In this episode of The Stratford Slice, Craig Thompson sits down with longtime arts champion Ron Dodson to explore Stratford’s vibrant cultural scene and its future. As co-founder of the Stratford Arts and Culture Collective and a member of the Grand Trunk Renewal Committee, Ron shares his vision for transforming the 18-acre former railway site in downtown Stratford into a dynamic neighbourhood that includes an accessible community arts centre. With decades of experience as a high school drama teacher, Ron brings a deep passion for the arts and community building. 

In this episode of The Stratford Slice, Craig sits down with architect and passionate community advocate Robert Ritz. From his roots growing up in Stratford to his ongoing work with the Rotary Club, Robert shares his vision for building a better city amid the challenges posed by the Canada–U.S. trade standoff. We dive into pressing issues like housing, smart urban planning, and the importance of community-led initiatives. With heart, history, and a focus on the future, Robert offers thoughtful insights on how Stratford can rise to meet the moment and thrive in uncertain times.

Craig Thompson sits down with former Ontario cabinet minister John Wilkinson to dissect Canada’s strategic response to the U.S. tariff war. He shares his insights on Canada’s quest for sovereignty against a shifting geopolitical landscape, an imminent Canadian election and a fractured new world order.  

This episode takes a deep dive into Stratford’s evolving food and tourism culture.  Craig is joined by co-host Joanie Chapple for a lively discussion with Megan Jones, co-owner of The Starlight, and Executive Chef Yva Santini. We explore Stratford’s restaurant scene, the importance of community gathering spaces, and how the city’s hospitality industry differs from that of Toronto’s. Megan shares her journey from running the Gaslight, a bar in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood, to launching the Starlight in Stratford during the pandemic, while Yva reflects on her 25-year culinary career which began at the Stratford Chef’s School.

During his five terms as Mayor of Stratford, Dan Mathieson oversaw a period of rapid economic growth in Southwestern Ontario - particularly in the automotive industry and its integration with our neighbouring state of Michigan.   Craig chats with Dan about the Canada-U.S. relationship and how we can best weather the storm that will continue to churn our trading relationship in the months and years to come.

To gain some insights into Donald Trump’s tariff and trade war with Canada, Craig chats with the Honourable Perrin Beatty, who, until August 2024, was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.  Beatty has extensive experience in navigating the Canada - U.S. relationship, including serving in the cabinet of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, in several portfolios including Defence and External Affairs.  Prior to heading up the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, he held a similar position with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association.  He also served as President of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

On the doorstep of a provincial election, in which housing affordability will be one of the many critical issues, Craig chats with John Wolfe, a veteran of the real estate market, about the  current state of the housing market in Stratford and Southwestern Ontario and the shifting realities since the pandemic.

In a few short days, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Craig Thompson chats with Roy Norton about the unfolding political and trade drama between the United States and Canada and the path forward.  Roy is no stranger to Canada - U.S. relations.  He spent his career in Canada’s foreign service with diplomatic postings to the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C. and serving as Canada’s Consul General in Chicago and Detroit.  You can read his full bio here.

https://balsillieschool.ca/people/roy-norton/

Synopsis:   As the traditional tourist season gets underway, Craig sits down with Zac Gribble, Executive Director of Destination Stratford to learn more about the trends reshaping the tourism economy.  Zac also shares his vision to develop a year-round multi-faceted visitor experience that encompasses arts, culture, culinary and sports.  

When people think of Stratford, they naturally think of culture and the arts.  Think again. Think Milk!  Believe it or not, Stratford is at the epicentre of Canada’s dairy industry. So it’s not surprising that this city is home to the annual Canadian Dairy XPO, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024. Craig sits down with Jordon Underhill, founder of the Canadian Dairy XPO, and learns that the dairy industry is much more than just milk.

https://dairyxpo.ca/